Need a perfect way to sync tracks

[PastorGarner]

hey everyone, I need to know if theres a way that I can sync all my music tracks coming from my MPC 2000, going into a multitracking program, so that I can add vocal, and mix down later. Everyone keeps saying get a Midi Timepiece, but thats out of my budget right now. Is there any other less expensive piece of hardware that I can get to do the same sync job, or is there a software program that'll work and do the same job? Please help need to start recording A.S.A.P

My set-up:
Custom built computer
600 meg ram
850 AMD chip
40 gig Harddrive
NVidia 128 meg video
HP CD Burn upgrading to DVD

MPC 2000
Proteous (Keyboard Module/Rack mount)
M-Audio Keyboard controller/USB
Makie mixer (Small)
Sonar 4
Sound forge

[Nightrain]

PastorGarner,

I have a similar type setup. I suggest you try connecting your MPC (I take it you want it to be the Master) and Sonar 4 via two-way midi in/out connections. Now, are you recording midi or audio into Sonar. If you arer recording midi, then you should probably be alright setting up the MPC to provide midi clock out. If you are recording audio, then you may want to setup the MPC to provide midi time code, set the frame to 30ND and also insert 2 blank measures at the beginning of the sequence to allow accurate sync. In Sonar, set the clock to midi sync or mtc (based on midi vs audio recording) and check the appropriate midi port under midi sync or mtc. Also in Sonar, select "chase & lock" for recording midi or "trigger & freewheel" for recording audio. From here you should be able to hit the record button in Sonar and it will display "waiting for time code"...then both sequencers shall start on time once you start the sequence on the MPC. If these options are not successful then you may want to do additional searches in this forum and/or google because there are alot who share sync issues! Sometimes more configuration setttings are needed within Sonar (i.e. buffer sizes, time stamp "ini" file settings, etc.).

I hope this helps.

[altitude909]

From your equipment list looks like you are missing a audio interface, which you will need to get any audio off the MPC and into sonar

[Nightrain]

Altititude,

Good pickup. I assumed that there was an interface at the PC level. Yes, you will need a soundcard or a digital audio interface/mixer with built-in soundcard. All of your audio connections will go through your mixer and into your soundcard via the mixer's main outs/bus outs/aux outs. This is of course the signal that Sonar records unless again you are just recording midi for now....but eventually you will need to convert the recorded midi to audio so these noted connections are necessary.

[PastorGarner]

That was very helpful. I forgot all about my mixer having to be hooked up for audio. I'm going to try thr Sync advide you gave me tonight and see if it solves my tracking problems. I'll post again soon. Bless you.

[PastorGarner]

thanks in advance brother, I have a sound card, and mixer, but I don't have a Midi interface. I'm buying a better sound card soon. Do I also need to hook up my audio to a stereo reciever for a louder sound? or for sound at all?

[Nightrain]

Pastor,

Your mixer is fine. Just make sure you have enough inputs on the mixer to host the incoming audio. You will need speakers/monitors hooked up to your mixer. For volume control, just use your mixer.